Our people have great faith in the His Excellency the President and equally great expectations. “When January (Thai) begins, a new path opens” is the unshakable belief of our people. On this basis, I firmly believe that the expectations of our people will certainly be fulfilled by the His Excellency the President during this period,” said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The Pongal Festival organized by the Northern Provincial Council in celebration of Thai Pongal was held on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at the Velanai South Sri Subramania Swamy Temple (Aiyanar Temple). The Chief Guest of the event, His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was accorded a traditional Tamil welcome. Following this, he ceremonially inaugurated the Pongal celebrations by pouring rice into the Pongal pot.
Following the welcome dance, the Governor delivered his welcome address, stating that today is a very important day in the lives of the Tamil people. He noted that Thai Pongal is a cultural festival celebrated to express gratitude to the sun and to the farmer who toils in the fields. Celebrating this auspicious day with the Head of State, he said, was a source of great pride and joy for all.
Referring to the Northern Province, the Governor emphasized that agriculture and animal husbandry form the backbone of the provincial economy. He further recalled that Cyclone “Ditwah,” which struck the province last November, caused extensive damage. On behalf of the people, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President for announcing immediate relief measures and for issuing prompt instructions to restore the affected agricultural lands and encourage re-cultivation.
He further stated that it was precisely because the President understands the hardships of the common people that compensation and relief reached those affected so swiftly. He noted that the President regularly visits the Northern Province, personally observing the prevailing conditions and the challenges faced by the people.
The Governor added that the provincial administration is receiving full cooperation from the government in implementing measures aimed not only at the rapid restoration of the livelihoods of those affected by the natural disaster, but also at ensuring that they attain a better standard of living than before.
On behalf of the Northern Provincial Council, the Governor extended a warm welcome to the His Excellency the President and the other distinguished guests who had come to alleviate the suffering of the people, fulfill their hopes, and celebrate the festival together with them.
During the event, compensation payments were distributed to farmers and livestock breeders affected by the recent Cyclone Ditwah.
Thereafter, the Chairman of the Velanai Divisional Coordination Committee and Hon. Member of Parliament, J. Rajeevan, and the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee and Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Resources, R. Chandrasekhar, addressed the gathering. This was followed by a special address by the His Excellency the President.
The event, organized by the Northern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Services, Livestock Development, Irrigation, Fisheries, Water Supply and Environment, was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament K. Ilankumaran and S. Sribavanandaraja; the District Secretaries of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mullaitivu; Secretaries of Northern Provincial Ministries; Deputy Chief Secretaries; Heads of Provincial Departments; members of the public; and many others.
